2x4s for Hope seeking veteran for next project

FORT MADISON – The 2x4s for Hope organization that has already built two homes for veterans in Fort Madison, is now searching for a veteran for the group’s third home that will be built on Storms Court.
Stephanie and John Warner were at Saturday’s Pen City Cruisers' Car Show with several 2x4 pieces of lumber that will be used on the group’s next project.
The group is a non-profit organization that quick builds small footprint, but efficient, homes for veterans. The previous two homes were built on property that was donated to the group by the City of Fort Madison. This project will be built on a parcel of land privately donated after a fire destroyed the prior structure.
Stephanie is one of the organizers of the Iowa chapter of 2x4s for Hope, along with Lester Kistner. She said the group is currently looking for a veteran who could benefit from the next home.
“We don’t have one yet. We’ve had people who have asked for applications and we’ve sent those out, but right now we need a veteran for our home,” Stephanie said.
The projects are turnkey homes that are signed over to a veteran in the area that is struggling for a place to call home. Contractors come and prepare the lot for building and then volunteers descend on the home to build it in quick fashion. The homes are completely furnished when the veterans move in.
The group raises funds before the project begins so they can go start to finish with the physical work in as short a time frame as possible.
“We raise funds through fundraisers and donations and then we have enough money to pick a start date. The sooner we have the money the better, because we have to get with contractors so they can get it on their schedules,” Stephanie said.
John said the group had decided to change their home design a little bit before the lot had been secured.
“Our first builds, the city donated that lot. This one is a private donor. Their house burnt down, and they heard about us and donated that property to us,” he said.
“And we changed our house design, too. It won’t be the long shotgun style. We made it more square. So this one will be a 28 x 20. We wanted to do that so we could say we’re not just building shotgun homes. And that just happened to fit over there on Storms Court.”
Those who may know of a veteran who would make a good fit for the project are encouraged to contact Stephanie at 757-717-1838 or Kistner at 319-316-2576. They can also be emailed at iowa2x4sforhope@gmail.com.
The group has several fundraisers scheduled this month. Pizza will be donating a portion of sales on May 8th from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. at 1123 24th Street in Fort Madison, while the Fort Madison Eagles Club will be holding a Taco and Enchilada Supper on May 13th from 4:30 p.m. to 7 p.m. at 4821 Avenue O. Carryout is available by calling 319-372-6928.
As of 2023, there were 38,000 homeless veterans in America. The mission of the group is to provide homes that are a permanent and sustainable solution for at-risk veterans.